Areas that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from an existing system could be costly. And that additional square footage could just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to handle, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise solution for these rooms because it doesn’t need ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often referred to as a mini-split heat pump since it shifts heating and cooling, as opposed to generating it. As a result, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority earning ENERGY STAR® certification.
Selecting the right model for your residence may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can offer assistance. We’ll begin with a no-obligation consultation to review your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also go over any special offers, rebates and financing you might be able to take advantage of.
Here’s about how much you can expect to spend when you’re installing a ductless mini-split.
Average Mini-Split Installation Cost
One of the most popular sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool approximately 450–550 square feet, or roughly the size of a studio apartment.
With professional installation, the average mini-split cost for this size is around $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide prices for common home improvement projects.
Your exact mini-split installation cost will be different based on the kind you go with and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other added costs could entail:
- Installing a concrete area for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
- Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
- Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This could be needed if you have an older home.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Getting an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can give you access to valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for select systems installed at your home through December 31, 2021. We recommend talking with your tax professional for more information.
Energy companies in Des Moines also usually give rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to make sure you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although getting a mini-split is usually pricier than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient method to heat and cool tricky areas in your home. These include:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Rooms you don’t visit very frequently.
- Locations with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also advises having mini-splits in homes with atypical challenges, such as:
- Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Pricey central heat, either as a result of high fuel prices or low efficiency.
- Older residences that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.
When compared to regular electric heating and cooling, ENERGY STAR says a mini-split can save you up to 30% on cooling and up to 60% on heating. You’ll also get exact control over settings from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Pros Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you pick the right model to professionally installing it, our professionals at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 515-207-6569 now to learn how a mini-split system can make your residence cozier and to receive your free estimate!